Disneyland Resort is a place where magic comes alive, but an unexpected tragedy cast a shadow during the recent runDisney Half Marathon. On September 8, 2024, Bobby Graves, known by his online alias Caleb, tragically passed away after crossing the finish line. Graves, an experienced marathon runner, began experiencing health issues and was promptly taken to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed.
Earlier, in a TikTok video, Graves shared his concerns about the intense heat, mentioning an incident where he had previously passed out due to heat exhaustion. The temperature in Anaheim hit a sweltering 108℉ on race day, which likely exacerbated the situation.
Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good expressed the collective grief: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our hearts are with Caleb’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Halloween Half Marathon, a beloved part of the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, charges participants over $260 in non-refundable entry fees. The runDisney events typically proceed rain or shine, barring extreme weather conditions like lightning. Despite the extreme heat, the race continued as planned, raising questions about future heat policies.
Graves’ death has been preliminarily linked to cardiac arrest. As stated in a 2010 Sports Health study, vigorous exercises like marathon running do carry risks of sudden cardiac death, although the probability remains exceedingly low.
We extend our deepest condolences to Graves’ family. Please share your thoughts and memories in the comments, and let’s come together in this time of loss.
Source: WDW News Today
